FINANCING YOUR UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Federal and State Sources of Aid
- Complete the 2020-2021 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using your 2018 federal tax return.
- Muhlenberg College’s school code is 003304. This will serve as your needs analysis and will determine your eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant (PHEAA), and federal student loans.
- Complete the Application for Financial Aid using the online Financial Aid Student Portal.
- Provide additional information if requested. Some students are selected by the federal government for a process called “Verification”. If your FAFSA indicates that you have been selected for verification, you may be required to submit a additional information.
Grants
Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant and Pennsylvania State Grant is estimated according to the information provided on the FAFSA. Grants are based on financial need and do not have to be repaid. Grants are subject to revision during the year, based upon enrollment changes and academic progress.
Loans
Federal Direct Loans are available to students who have completed the FAFSA and are enrolled at least half-time, or two classes. Interest rates for the student loan program are announced each July 1st. The Subsidized Loan is need-based; the interest is paid by the government while the student in enrolled at least half-time. The Unsubsidized Loan is not need-based; interest begins accruing after disbursement, but can be paid while in school. Interest and principal payments on Direct Loans may be deferred while the student is enrolled at least half-time.
The following loan amounts are available to independent undergraduate students:
| Level | Subsidized | Unsubsidized | Total |
|---|
| 1st Year |
$3,500 |
$6,000 |
$9,500 |
| 2nd Year |
$4,500 |
$6,000 |
$10,500 |
| 3rd Year |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500
|
| 4th Year |
$5,500 |
$7,000 |
$12,500 |
The aggregate loan limit for undergraduate students is $57,500; no more than $23,000 of this amount may be in Subsidized Loan.
Scholarships
- Constance Lewis Miller Scholarship - Applicants must be female degree candidates; widowed, divorced, or single; and not of traditional college age. Eligible students may apply using the Application for Financial Aid.
- Samuel Laposata Scholarship - This scholarship was established to benefit matriculated students who have completed a minimum of four courses and are in good academic standing. Students must qualify for financial aid under standard granting procedures.
- Community Service Scholarship - Applicants must be engaged in meaningful community service via employment/volunteerism with a local community-based/non-profit organization. Recipients are chosen by the Community Service Scholarship Committee and receive a tuition scholarship equal to two courses per semester.
Outside Scholarships can be found here.
Scholarship Search Online
Other Resources
- Employer Provided Assistance
Many area companies have tuition reimbursement plans for their employees. Contact your employer’s human resources department for full details. We provide tuition deferment for students who are using employer benefits.
- Military Education Benefits
Veterans who want to apply for benefits under the current G.I. Bill should discuss their eligibility and application process with a GCE Academic Advisor.
- Presidential Assistantships
A limited number of Presidential Assistantships are available in which qualified students assume entry level, half-time, administrative positions in return for tuition remission. Additional information is available from Human Resources.
Any scholarships, employer benefits, or other sources of aid should be reported to the Office of Financial Aid.
Summer Financial Aid
Financial Aid is available for the summer semester provided that a student is enrolled at least half-time, or 2 classes, and has completed the 2020-2021 FAFSA. Financial Aid disbursements typically occur after July 15.
Students can apply directly for the 2020 Summer PA State Grant provided enrollment is at least half-time and for a minimum of five (5) consecutive weeks. Visit www.pheaa.org/summergrant to apply online.